Business case more evidence of PRH as most affordable and viable site

Figures just released for the cost of options to reconfigure hospital services at the Princess Royal and Royal Shrewsbury hospitals show once more that the PRH is the most affordable and viable option.

The figures published in a report on a strategic outline business case to the Shrewsbury & Telford Hospital Trust (SaTH) add further support to figures published last year which also showed the PRH to be the most affordable and viable site.

This comes after the NHS put its Future Fit programme to consider reconfiguration programme of services at the PRH and RSH on hold because its original options did not do enough to help tackle SaTH’s budget deficit. Future Fit is due to recommend a preferred option for consultation later this year with consultation expected to begin this December.

Cllr Richard Overton, deputy leader and cabinet with responsibility for health and wellbeing welcomed the report’s statement that whatever option was chosen for future services, this would maintain vibrant hospital services in both Shrewsbury and Telford.

"We have always maintained our view that we want to see no downgrade of services at the PRH but reiterate that we have never asked for these at the expense of the RSH.

“This latest report confirms what we have been saying for a very long time – the PRH offers the most affordable site and is one that is more viable and simpler to develop, elements that could be absolutely key in helping to address SaTH’s deficit.

“Our position on the future of the Women’s & Children’s remains as it was. This £28m centre opened at the PRH in 2014 because of clinical need and this hasn’t changed.

“Moving this great facility makes no clinical sense and would leave the public frankly baffled.

“In the meantime, we’re asking people to show their support with our #PRH4Me campaign and to go to www.prh4me.co.uk or come and see our campaign team at this weekend’s Spring Into the Park around Telford Town Park and join the 1,200 people who have already pledged their support for the PRH.”